Undermethylation vs. Overmethylation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

While there are a number of potential factors that may cause mental illness, one that many people don’t consider is that of methylation. It is believed that genetic mutations may lead to abnormalities in the methylation process. The methylation cycle is a specific biochemical pathway that is responsible for influencing a variety of critical biological processes including: the immune system, DNA maintenance, production of energy, and detoxification.

During the methylation process, neurotransmitters are created, giving rise to certain emotional states. If there is problems with the methylation process, it is speculated that a number of different psychiatric symptoms may arise. These speculative symptoms are thought to be specifically correlated with whether someone is considered to be stuck in a state of “overmethylation” vs. “undermethylation.”

Undermethylation vs. Overmethylation

There isn’t anything wrong with being overmethylated nor undermethylated, but it may cause some sort of mental distress. Too much methyl (overmethylation) results in a unique set of symptoms that are different than those resulting from too little methyl (undermethylation). While undermethylation is generally considered less problematic than overmethylation, you may want to consider “methylation” and its potential to cause mental illness.

Undermethylation (Histadelia): Too little methyl (a carbon group with three hydrogen atoms). Essentially they have low levels of SAM-e, which donates methyl. This can lead to perfectionism, high accomplishment, and high achievement. Now why would this be problematic? 15-20% of these people experience problems as a result of the undermethylation. This can lead to low levels of serotonin, making them susceptible to depression.

Overmethylation (Histapenia): Too much methyl (a carbon group with three hydrogen atoms). It is very active in the brain, and too much leads to “too much of a good thing.” This causes an overproduction of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. In many cases, high serotonin levels can cause psychological problems including reduced motivation, reduced libido, weight gain, and confusion.

MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms Causes Undermethylation or Overmethylation

There are a number of theories regarding the causes of overmethylation as well as undermethylation. The most obvious cause is that of MTHFR genetic polymorphisms. If you possess a polymorphism of the MTHFR gene, this may be directly associated with poor methylation or highly efficient methylation. Fortunately you can detect whether you have a mutation of the MTHFR gene by getting a simple blood test.

MTHFR is an acronym for “Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase.” MTHFR is an enzyme and the MTHFR gene is necessary for the creation of the enzyme which regulates the methyl cycle. When the gene is considered abnormal, the methyl cycle may function abnormally. There are a variety of possible mutations that may occur to the MTHFR gene as well as its nucleotides.

If the gene’s nucleotide is abnormal, it’s called a SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism). With the MTHFR gene, there are a variety of nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may occur, some are considered heterozygous (on one strand of DNA) while others can be homozygous (on both strands of DNA). Upon diagnosis, a professional will be able to explain whether you have homozygous or heterozygous MTHFR and the specific SNP location.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6561/

Biochemistry of Undermethylation

The undermethylation can lead to a number of deficiencies in nutrients throughout the body. Some researchers believe that if a person is a poor methylator, they are likely to have high levels of histamine, reduced zinc, and a high basophil count.

High histamine: It is thought that a metabolic imbalance occurs when a person isn’t capable of sufficient methylation, leading to abnormally high histamine (e.g. 70 ng/ml).

Low zinc: Some individuals who are chronically undermethylated tend to have zinc deficiencies.

Low copper: Those with poor methylation ability tend to have low levels of copper.

High Basophil count: This is often detected in blood tests and is associated with infections and allergic reactions. If levels exceed 50 cells/cu mm, there’s a better chance of undermethylation.

High homocysteine: The greater the degree of undermethylation, the higher you can expect your homocysteine levels.

High heavy metals: Proper methylation is thought to help detoxify the body of heavy metals and toxins. If a person is undermethylated, some speculate that they may have increased build-up of heavy metals.

Undermethylation Symptoms

Keep in mind that if you are suffering from undermethylation, you may not experience every symptom on this list. There are different genetic polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene as well as other factors that may dictate your experience. Below is a collective list of symptoms that people with undermethylation tend to exhibit.

Addictions: Those who are considered undermethylators may be more likely to battle addictions and/or have addictive personalities.

Competitive: It is believed that many undermethylators are extremely competitive in sports, business, and other facets of life. Competition is a notable signal that a person may not have a sufficient methylation process.

Concentrative endurance: Some individuals who are suffering from undermethylation may have a difficult time maintaining focus for prolonged periods of time. In other words, their concentration ability may wane quicker than average.

Delusions: Certain individuals that fall into the undermethylation diagnosis may experience delusions or beliefs that aren’t based in reality. While these generally are not severe, then can interfere with the accuracy of a person’s perception of reality.

Headaches: Some researchers believe that undermethylation may cause physical symptoms such as headaches.

High achievement: One characteristic (rather than symptom) of people with low levels of methylation is that of accomplishment and achievement. Many individuals considered top athletes, CEOs, and professionals may be fueled in part by undermethylation.

High libido: A person may be highly interested in sex and/or have a higher than average “drive” compared to others.

Obsessive compulsive: Undermethylation may provoke symptoms of OCD or other obsessive tendencies. In fact, someone may actually get diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder as a result of their methylation deficiency.

Oppositional defiance: Another common finding is that those displaying signs of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) tend to also have undermethylation. While this isn’t a very common diagnosis, it is thought to be related to undermethylation.

Inner tension: While a person who is an undermethylator may appear to exhibit a calm demeanor, they may be filled with inner tension.

Low pain tolerance: Individuals with undermethylation tend to have a poor tolerance to any sort of pain.

Perfectionism: Another trait of undermethylators is that of perfectionism. They aren’t satisfied unless tasks are completed in accordance to their specific methodology. They may be intolerant to less-than-perfect outcomes.

Phobias: Certain phobias or irrational fears may be caused in part by undermethylation.

Ritualistic behavior: Those who are undermethylated may engaged in ritualistic behavior with rigid schedules. They may have specific daily rituals to which they must adhere.

Seasonal allergies: It has also been suggested that allergies may be stronger among undermethylators, particularly during seasonal transitions. This may be related to naturally elevated levels of histamine, leading to more pronounced reactions.

Self-motivated: A person who is undermethylated may be highly self-motivated in both school and work functions. They may not need any outside inspiration or encouragement to complete their work, they are fuelled internally by themselves.

Social isolation: Some individuals with undermethylation may isolate themselves from others and prefer to be left alone, especially during the completion of work.

Strong willed: Another characteristic that is found among those who are undermethylated is that of a strong will.

Undermethylation and Serotonin: Researchers speculate that undermethylation is associated with abnormally low levels of serotonin in the brain. While the mainstream media has lead most people to believe that low serotonin is always bad, clearly not all outcomes are poor. However, the fact that undermethylators tend to have low serotonin, it can make some of these individuals more prone to developing depression. It is estimated that 15% to 20% of people dealing with undermethylation tend to find it problematic; likely as a result of serotonergic deficits.

Undermethylation Treatment

Assuming you are suffering from undermethylation, there are numerous supplements you can consider for treatment. Generally treatment doesn’t yield drastic improvement overnight, and in some cases it can take 8 to 12 months before a person feels noticeably better. However, it is also important to realize that nutritional intervention can be highly effective and successful over the long-term.

Since undermethylation results in low levels of calcium, magnesium, methionine, and Vitamin B6 – it’s important to consider these for supplementation. Additionally it may be important to avoid folic acid as levels may be abnormally high throughout neurons. Correcting nutritional imbalances is considered an important step towards improving undermethylation symptoms.

Supplements for Undermethylation

Most people aren’t fans of taking pharmaceutical medications once they have pinpointed the problem of undermethylation. If you know for a fact that undermethylation is the problem, taking a targeted nutritional approach is your best bet. Work with a professional to determine what quantities of vitamins and/or “stack” you should be taking.

Choline

Calcium

Magnesium

Methionine

Omega-3 fatty acids

SAM-e

Vitamin B12

Vitamin C

Medication Outcomes

If you plan on taking a medication, some researchers have noted that outcomes among individuals with undermethylation are considered specific based on the type of drug utilized.

Antihistamines: Since those with undermethylation tend to have high levels of histamine, using an antihistamine may result in favorable effects.

Benzodiazepines: People taking benzodiazepines like Xanax tend to have unfavorable responses if they are suffering from undermethylation.

SSRIs: Those dealing with undermethylation tend to respond well to selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These are antidepressant drugs that specifically increase the amount of extracellular serotonin. These are considered helpful among undermethylators because they have low levels of serotonin.

Vitamin B Complex: Those taking Vitamin B Complex may experience adverse effects. This is because the person already has high levels of folic acid (Vitamin B9) and the complex serves to further elevate it.

Biochemistry of Overmethylation

Overmethylation is the polar opposite of undermethylation. If you are overmethylated, you will likely have elevated levels of serotonin, low levels of histamine, and likely a low count of absolute basophils. Additionally you may discover high levels of copper, but low presence of zinc and histamine throughout the body.

High copper: Abnormally high levels of copper are generally present among those who exhibit overmethylation.

Low basophil count: In cases of overmethylation, basophil count tends to be depressed, meaning theres less likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Low histamine: Overmethylation results in the reduction of histamine, making it completely unnecessary to use an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Low zinc: Another common finding among those who are overmethylators is low levels of zinc.

Overmethylation Symptoms

Below is a list of possible symptoms that you may experience during overmethylation. Understand that overmethylation will not necessarily cause every single symptom on the list and that severity of each symptom is highly subject to individual variation.

ADHD: Those who are overmethylators may have attention deficits and may have been previously diagnosed with ADHD.

Anxiety: In some cases, the overmethylation can lead to increased levels of anxiety and susceptibility to panic attacks.

Artistic: Some sources have suggested a link between artistic and musical pursuits and overmethylation. Whether this is accurate is subject to debate.

Depression: Those with overmethylation may become depressed as a result of high levels of serotonin, lack of motivation, and accomplishment.

Dry skin: It has also been speculated that in those who are overmethylated tend to be more susceptible to bouts of dry skin.

Food sensitivities: If you are an overmethylator, you may notice that you are highly sensitive to certain foods and/or chemicals.

Frustration: Another sign among overmethylators is rampant frustration or becoming easily frustrated in seemingly benign situations.

High pain threshold: Unlike those who are poor methylators, overmethylation is associated with a higher pain tolerance.

Low libido: Another symptom of overmethylation is that of a decreased sex drive. They may be considerably less interested in sex than average.

Low motivation: The general tendency among overmethylators is that of deficient achievement in workplace or competitive settings. This is often a direct result of the motivational deficit that may be a byproduct of overmethylation.

Nervousness: This ties into the generalized anxiety that a person may experience as a result of the overmethylation.

Obsessions: Some have suggested that individuals with overmethylation may demonstrate clear obsessions, but they aren’t usually accompanied by compulsions.

Overweight: Those who are overmethylated may be more likely to pack on weight in part due to motivational deficits and depression.

Paranoia: Among those who are strongly affected by overmethylation, paranoid thoughts, and possibly auditory hallucinations may emerge.

Restless legs: Another possible symptom that you may experience if you’re dealing with too much methylation is restless legs.

Self-imposed isolation: Those who isolate themselves from others may do so in part as a result of depression and or anxiety from overmethylation.

Self-harm: Researchers believe that among those who commit acts of self-harm and mutilation, overmethylation tends to occur.

Sleep disorders: Those with sleep problems may be more likely to have overmethylation.

Overmethylation Treatment

If you are dealing with overmethylation, many experts will recommend a specific supplement regimen over the course of 3 to 6 months. Some believe that it is easier to offset the effects of overmethylation than undermethylation. While you probably won’t notice major benefit overnight, you may start to feel gradually better over the course of several months.

To properly cope with overmethylation, it is recommended to work with a professional to construct a specific regimen of supplements. These supplements work to correct nutritional imbalances and should improve symptoms of the condition.

Supplements for Overmethylation

Working with a professional will help you come up with a supplement regimen that effectively offsets the overmethylation. The goal is to gradually reduce the amount of methylation that occurs with targeted nutritional interventions. Below are some supplements that someone may take if they are overmethylated.

DMAE

Folic Acid (Folate)

Niacinamide

Omega-3 fatty acids

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Zinc

Medication Outcomes

If you are taking a medication and have a mutation of MTHFR that leads to overmethylation, below are some likely reactions.

Antihistamines: Since you already have low levels of histamine, you are going to respond poorly to any antihistamine drug. People who are overmethylated tend to have less allergic responses than usual as a result of the low endogenous histamine.

Benzodiazepines: Favorable responses have been noted among those with overmethylation to taking benzodiazepines.

Lithium: The mood stabilizing agent Lithium has also been thought to yield noticeable improvement among those who are overmethylated.

Oestrogen therapy: Should you engage in oestrogen therapy as an overmethylator, you are likely to experience an adverse reaction.

SAM-e: This supplement should be avoided by any individual that is dealing with overmethylation. Adverse reactions are likely to occur as this will further increase methylation.

SSRIs: In general, people who are overmethylated already have high levels of serotonin and don’t require an SSRI. Further increasing serotonin levels may be problematic and may yield unwanted side effects or adverse reactions.

Assuming you are a person who has a polymorphism of the MTHFR gene that is causing undermethylation or overmethylation, balancing the methylation process could drastically improve your mood or psychiatric symptoms. While many people preach that treating “over” or “under” methylation with supplement stacks will “cure” you of your psychitric illness, it is important to realize that this isn’t often the case.

Addressing the methylation imbalances could significantly improve your symptoms and/or overall health. However, it does NOT mean that you will be eventually cured of your severe anxiety or depression. A considerable number of people do improve once they address their MTHFR mutations with nutritional-based therapy, but don’t isolate methylation as the sole cause of your mental illness. Your condition may be a result of a collective number of other genetic and environmental factors.

Are you suffering from overmethylation or undermethylation?

It is important to avoid assuming that you are an overmethylator or undermethylator based on the symptoms listed above. While you may be one or the other, self-diagnosing based off of information you’ve read online may end up doing more harm than good. If you are serious about learning whether you truly have a methylation problem, get the MTHFR gene tested and have the results analyzed.

Determining whether you have an MTHFR mutation is the best way for you to get proof that supports your hypothesis of being an overmethylator or undermethylator. Using a treatment protocol for overmethylation or undermethylation when you have no actual methylation dysfunction may be more problematic than beneficial. If you have had your MTHFR gene tested and successfully treated your methylation dysfunction, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.

Where can you get tested for the MTHFR gene and have it analyzed? I live in Auckland, NZ. I am also on hydrocortisone for adrenal fatigue but it is not effective anymore hence I am reducing it but I cannot tolerate (even small amounts of vitamins) which is my main frustration. Thank you for your reply. Most appreciated.

Hi Helen, I just saw your comment (you may have ready found somewhere). Most naturopaths can organize this test for you in NZ. If you get stuck go to
Organics Out West in West Auckland, we can sort it out for you. Take care.

Hi Helen, I live in Canada and was also thinking of getting the MTHFR gene analyzed and it says in the article that it’s possible through a blood test. I have my latest basic blood test results but don’t see anything I could relate to what I read here, so I think you’d have to specify to the general doctor before going for the test that you want to test that specific gene. Good luck!

To be short I was diagnosed with MTHFR 677 after a retinal blood clot and started taking Methyl Folate and B12 only at first and my symptoms of 10 years of Fibromyalgia were gone in four months! Although I think I am overmethylated now chronic fatigue and fibro fog can be cured. I had my family tested at 23andme.com $99. That is the best way to find all methylation mutation.

With 23AndMe, you can buy the Strategene app (about $40). This will tell you which of your SNPs may affect your methylation. It does not give you a treatment plan, however. Dr. Ben Lynch, the designer of Strategene, says that properly managing stress, sleep, diet, exercise, and environment, is sometimes all the treatment you need for your body to work efficiently. He recommends getting a healthcare provider who understands MTHFR. (Some of them do telephone consultations.)

I think there is a lot of buzz surrounding the MTHFR test. Many of the sources I’ve been checking say that the MTHFR test alone is not enough to diagnose over or undermethylation. There are numerous other SNPs that could influence methylation status, not nust this one. Dr. Mensah (Mensah medical website), does a really good job of breaking down this topic and how to get tested. See the video section for a thorough discussion.

The other thing I’m finding is that it is possible to be an undermethylator with high copper. I don’t know what sources were used for this article but I believe there are some innacuracies. Zinc is recommended here for low copper?… that doesnt make sense. Zinc is a copper antagonist so taking more of it could worsen a copper deficiency.

I agree with Vanessa – my family has had good benefit from using Mensah Medical. Also check out the book “Nutrient Power” by William J Walsh PhD. He is clear that the ratio between methyl groups and folate is critical to consider – brilliant guy if you ask me!

Excellent suggestions. Walsh, author of nutrient power and Mensah Medical. There is so much here I would dispute but I would highly recommend these two. Turned my psych onto nutrient power and he uses it.

I am an undermethylator and high copper. We are trying to figure out the right mix of vits, etc. for me. My holistic psych tends to be distracted with other matters so I find her lack of follow thru disappointing but my naturopath has been more and more involved. Thank goodness. I added TMG to my mix to lower homocysteine but wonder how it will affect my higher copper.

I totally agree with the last two posters. When you are high copper you are low zinc. You can’t be low in both. High copper can cause psychiatric symptoms. Undermethylators are high histamine people. Antihistamines are helpful for undermethylators. So, there are inaccuracies in this article but overall it is helpful.

Also, don’t put so much weight on the MTHFR gene. My daughter does NOT have the MTHFR gene but she is an under methylator. Dr. Walsh says 23andme is not helpful to determine methylation status. Check into his website and look up possible practitioners that can help you with this. They’ve been trained by Walsh himself: http://www.walshinstitute.org/clinical-resources.html

If a person has pyrrole disorder that is draining their zinc, yes, they can be low in both zinc and copper, but the zinc will probably be lower than the copper. I am speaking from experience with one of my sons because we have had to supplement his zinc like crazy and gradually his copper has become low, even though I give him a little copper, too.

Antihistamines might be helpful for some undermethylators, but where do you get the idea that it is helpful for undermethylators in general except maybe as a sleep aid? High histamine is a marker for undermethylation, but in general it isn’t the cause of the symptoms.

I recently learned that I have a MTHFR genetic defect and cannot utilize Folic Acid. My doctor prescribed a methylated B complex. My homocysteine level is High. I don’t know if I am an under or over methylator. So don’t know what supplements to take. For example, should I take Sam-e? Any suggestions appreciated.

Gotta agree with the other replies here – genetic testing alone is known for being mis-leading, as you might have SNPs that cancel each other out. Functional testing (blood and urine) gives you a picture of what is actually happening in the body, not just a theory of what might be happening. I would only work with someone trained in William Walsh’s methods – he’s worked with 30,000+ patients, and has tried many methods and found what actually works.

This was a great article, but the recommendations to get the MTHFR test as a sole measure or indicator of methylation status is problematic. There are numerous factors involved in the methylation cycle which can lead to imbalance not just the MTHFR gene. Your best bet is to get a whole blood histamine test. See the work of Dr. William Walsh (book: Nutrient Power) or Dr. Albert Mensah (many videos on this topic on his website – Mensah medical) for better information on how to get tested and for a good breakdown of how the methylation cycle works. It is also possible to have high copper and be undermethylating – if your zinc levels are low already than other metals like copper and lead can be high.

As a mother of two undermethylated sons who are also affected by pyrrole disorder, one with schizophrenia and the other with depression, I would like to add that I think that the reason that treatment takes so long is that most people have too much folate in their diet, even if they are not supplementing with any folate. Any folate, including methylfolate and folinic acid, make my sons worse. They are now on a limited folate diet. Having pyrrole disorder along with undermethylation makes limiting folate even more important.

The best thing any of this information provides is temporary hope. The fact is medical doctor or not – no one has a clue how this stuff works. The orthomolecular doctors who put these theories together were looking for solutions to problems that are still beyond our scientific understanding. Most of it is based on anecdotal observation and ultimately the people who tend to benefit the most are the naturopaths perpetuating nonsense and charging $200 for BS tests.

Don’t get me wrong I’m all for alternative medicine and not all docs are full of it – most are just as blind as the majority of people searching for solutions. But answer me this if methylation, candida, adrenal, Lyme’s, heavy metals, toxicities, deficiencies, etc, etc, were the issue and were solved by taking supplements – then why aren’t there thousands of people testifying that they’re cured?

In some 20 years of obsessively reading as much as I could on alternative mental recovery I can only recall about half a dozen people out of a potential 50,000 who’ve ever solved their problem. Most people it seems do better for a day or two, week or two and then something swings the other way. I just hate how ideas are perpetuated and people get swept up in it spending fortunes on random theories. Anyway good luck.

Good comment. I’m thinking of all the supplements I’ve tried, and I can’t think of any that helped my fatigue/lack of motivation/anxiety/depression. So far, not much change. I’m embarrassed at the thousands of hours and dollars I’ve spent researching this and buying supplements.

What has helped is tyrosine, mixture of T3/T4 for hypothyroid, gf/cf diet. Reduction in starches, elimination of processed food. Probiotics, psyllium, and lots of water with a little salt added have healed the gut, and this is something I must be diligent about every day. Prescription drug NuVigil really helps with energy and focus, but it costs over $700/month, which I cannot afford, and insurance won’t pay for.

I’m also taking lots of supplements, and my son is too. I’ve never felt like they have helped with much, except for Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint pain. Good food seems to work best, especially green smoothies (with extra flaxseed oil).

But one thing I’ve found that’s really helpful with my son’s anxiety and paranoia is CBD oil (cannabidiol). I’m hoping that it will keep him from having another psychotic episode also. The Mayo Clinic has even published a dosing guide for cannabidiol to treat schizophrenia.

RMC has read about 50,000 people??? Did RMC read the Dr Walsh book? True, Dr Walsh only amassed information on 30,000 people and we should throw that out the window? My MEDICAL doctor works with the Walsh method and we are lucky to have a few DOCTORS in the Chapel Hill area who also subscribe to and work with the Walsh method, along with other approaches.

It is true not one thing works for EVERYONE. The blood tests may not suit everyone but it is worth the time and effort. Blood tests are reasonable on lifeextension… RMC already says he is obsessive and it is obvious he is a naysayer.

Hi RMC, I’d like to counter your comments with my own positive experience of the Dr Walsh protocol. After battling with ME, depression and anxiety for years, I now finally feel normal and able to function in the world. The ‘mad’ feeling I experienced that I couldn’t describe or make sense of diminished after a few days of limiting folinic acid from my diet.

A few weeks later my mood elevated from L-Methionine supplementation and zinc and B6 has helped reduce anxiety and improve energy levels. Yes I’m not 100 % perfect – I’m still a perfectionist! But I can go about my daily life and have set up my own business. Thanks to Margo Goldspink the only Walsh practitioner in the UK!

My DD& has the MTHFR C677T homozygous mutation. We have test results which also show very low homocysteine, low basophils, and high B6 and B12. I am confused as to whether she is over or undermethylating. I can see symptons in both. Namely, her symptons are:
`Moody, quick to anger, has rages, lashes out.
`Depressed and sad a lot. Cries a lot but doesn’t know why
`Unmotivated, socially isolates herself.
`Compulsive, almost addicted, to certain things/activities.
`often doesn’t feel well, some nausea or diarrhea.

She was tested positive for coeliac disease by biopsy. I try to limit dairy, but otherwise no other food sensitivities. Eats a clean unprocessed diet, Mostly paleo. I’m interested in helping her with her mood swings, and depression. Do you think that SAMe would help? Thanks, :-)

It’s best to get tested before trying supplements, but what you’re describing sounds a lot like me and I overmethylate. I actually thought I was an undermethylator and supplemented antihistamines and methionine (which gave me fragrance sensitivities, brain fog, heart palpitations, panic attacks, more anxiety, etc…) before I finally got the whole blood histamine test and came back at “13” – pretty severe overmethylation.

I have low basophils, high b6 and b12 too and can definitely relate to the sentimentality and isolation- spent so many nights crying myself to sleep and not even knowing why. Also the lack of motivation – a strong sense of inner direction leaves me unaffected by extrinsic status/labels, and addictive personality – everything is intense for me, everything becomes an obsession because I ruminate unendingly, which has also made it hard for me to take practical steps (do sh#t) and manage time well.

Anyway just thought I’d offer myself as a glimpse into the mind of an overmethylator haha, hope she finds healing soon. :)

I found out that I was MTHFR heterozygous when I lost my first pregnancy. I had to take extra folic acid and a daily aspirin during my next two pregnancies to carry to full term. That was ten years ago. Anyway I currently have terrible headaches and recurring sinus infections. I have severe hair loss and long time history of depression. I take Wellbutrin XL and brintellix, working okay. Doctor added deplin, I don’t know if it’s helping or not. My zinc is low but homocysteine is normal. Have terrible brain fog and zero motivation. What should I take/not take?

According to this website low homocysteine is an indicator of undermethylation. According to other websites it’s just the opposite, the rationale being people can’t convert homocysteine to methionine. The contradictory information is very confusing.

Exactly my thoughts. I found this article while trying to find info on undermethylators with Low homocysteine (and high blood folate), which is the category by son falls into. Most sources just assume high homocysteine with undermethylation and recommend methylfolate, as did his integrative doctor.

Despite his blood tests showing low homocysteine, she put him on methylfolate which apparently reduces homocysteine because that is ‘what you do’ for undermethylators. But even a tiny amount turned him into an emotional wreck – he put his foot through the wall and started hallucinating! I haven’t given it to him again and stopped seeing that doctor. I rather liked this article as at last he seemed to ‘fit’ the diagnosis, but it doesn’t make sense.

Too much conflicting info. I can only conclude that the science of methylation simply is not fully understood yet and some people with methylation problems do not fit neatly into “over” or “under” methylators.

Most websites say the opposite and most integrative doctors treat undermethylators with methylfolate. However my undermethylating son had a massive emotional & hallucinatory reaction to a tiny amount so I can see why there is confustion.

I was diagnosed with Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, Sjogrens, AMD, heterozygous for MTHFR and have had severe anxiety all my life. Taking the natural form of FOLATE has been of great help. My AMD (eyes) are presently stable and my anxiety is calming. Family members with severe depressive disorders, Tourettes, Obstinate Defiant Disorder, etc.

Perhaps natural Folate and no folic acid would be of help to those experiencing some of these issues. My Fibromyalgia is gone after stopping Folic Acid and taking natural Folate: along with Magnesium. The MTHFR factor being diagnosed was significant as a turning point in my health.

I have the MTHFR C677T mutation and methylation problems. I’ve been trying to treat it with supplements but my symptoms flip back and forth every few days from overmethylation to undermethylation and back. I can’t stabilize it! My biggest symptom for overmethylation is an extreme insomnia (~90 minutes of sleep per night) and the opposite when undermethylated (~9-12 hours sleep).

I use TMG and benfotiamine (methylated B1) to increase methylation and niacin to decrease it. I also take a lot of other supplements and have researched each one to determine how it affects methylation levels.

I’m not sure why I’m commenting. I guess I’m just throwing this out there in case it helps someone suffering similarly. It seems no one has definite answers.

I have disabling OCD/tics; CBT does not work and medication caused tinnitus and hyperacusis so am unable to return to that route. I am getting worse and my life is a living hell. I have other issues, immune related: chronic fatigue, psoriasis and the arthritis, asthma, allergies, believe I have fibromyalgia and M.E. though awaiting diagnoses. I am fighting suicidal depression because of how hard my life is; it is a real battle and there is no hope for me.

I learned about leaky gut/brain and realized this could be why all these supplements have no helped. I want to detox the gut and brain, heal the leakage and infuse with the nutrition it needs to balance my brain. I am very poor, on benefits and live in Manchester UK. I am willing to partake in studies, tests or any trials that may be going but nowhere seems to be taking anyone on at this time.

I have asked all over and getting nowhere. Can you suggest anything please? I can’t bear this anymore, and don’t know how long I can hold on. I am incredibly strong but have reached my limit to what I can stand. I am reaching out to anyone, anywhere for help.# Best Regards, Miss Armstrong

Your best bet to treat a gut problem is the GAPS diet. Get hold of Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride’s book Gut and Pyschology Syndrome. She is a neurologist with a masters in nutrition. It is the best gut healing diet, but there are several. What they all have in common is – cut out sugar, cut out starch (all grain, potatoes). GAPS is based on another healing diet which you can find details and food lists on the internet called SCD (specific carbohydrate diet), check out SCD website breakingtheviciouscycle.info. Good luck!

Note: The author of this site is not engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained within this work are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. I shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions within this blog. You, as a reader of this website, are totally and completely responsible for your own health and healthcare.